Taking Snow reins — President aims to raise college to new heights

As an alpine climber, Scott Wyatt has conquered many a mountain on his own. But in his new quest as president of Snow College, he will enlist the help of the entire campus and possibly the community.

From the day he walked out of high school and into college, Wyatt knew he'd found his niche. He said he's spent every day since then working toward "the ultimate job for me, which would be to be a college president."

He made it, and as far as he's concerned, he's there to stay.

"It's been far more enjoyable and far more engaging than I could have ever expected," Wyatt said. The feelings mimic those of his college years, when as student body president at Utah State University in 1985, the philosophy and economics student said he thrived from the influence of his college leaders.

"It was then that my self-esteem grew the most. It was then that I set goals for my life. And it was then that I made the most progress," he said. He hopes to be that same influence for one, if not all, of the student body — which is 3,000 strong at Snow College.

"As president of a college, I think I need to know everybody," Wyatt said. "It's small enough that I think I can do that."

As soon as he started actively serving as president of the two-year college in Ephraim, Wyatt "hit the ground running," said Snow's Provost Brad Winn. He said Wyatt has put himself in the middle of just about everything going on at the college, making good on the promises made to those who interviewed him for the position months ago.

"He told us, 'If you pick me, you're getting the guy who has passion and love for Snow College and someone who will work harder than anyone else,' and I believe that," Winn said. "Every president brings their own distinct ideas and style. But the one thing they all bring the same is a new enthusiasm, and it's a time for the college to rethink and reinvigorate.

"He's been very well-received so far."

Along with vice presidents of the school, Wyatt spent the Saturday before school started helping the new class move into the dorms. He also welcomed new students at the freshman orientation. He had meetings with administrators, faculty, staff and students "to get to know the school as best he can," Winn said.

Working as a member and chairman of the board of trustees at Snow College, Wyatt had already become acquainted with many at the school. He said they know him quite well, and he hopes they know he's going to be there for a while.